Brayden Schenn recorded a goal and two assists, while Victor Eklund scored for the fourth consecutive match as the New York Islanders defeated the Los Angeles Kings 5-2 on Thursday night to end a four-game losing streak.
Matthew Schaefer celebrated his 100th NHL appearance with a goal, Simon Holmstrom contributed a goal and an assist, and Bo Horvat added a late empty-net goal to secure the victory. The Islanders earned at least one point for the third straight game, supported by goaltender Ilya Sorokin, who stopped 26 shots.
Islanders’ Young Talent Drives Offense
Schaefer and Eklund provided major contributions for New York, each extending their point streaks to four games. Schaefer put the Islanders ahead 2-1 midway through the first period with a power-play goal. The tally marked his 29th career goal and 77th point at the 100-game mark, placing him fourth in career points by a teenage defenseman behind Phil Housley (132), Ray Bourque (79), and Rasmus Dahlin (84).
Eklund extended the lead to 3-1 early in the second period. He became only the third rookie in franchise history over the past 20 years—and the 11th overall—to score a goal in four consecutive games.
Kings Drop Third Straight Game
Trevor Moore and Quinton Byfield scored for Los Angeles as the Kings suffered their third consecutive defeat. Darcy Kuemper made 16 saves while making his 500th career appearance in goal.
Winger Kevin Fiala made his season debut for the Kings after recovering from a left leg injury suffered at the Milan Cortina Olympics in February. Fiala notched his 300th career assist on Byfield’s power-play goal, but his presence was not enough to spark a Los Angeles comeback.
Both teams play again on Saturday, when the Islanders visit the Anaheim Ducks and the Kings host the Calgary Flames.
